The storming of the Chinese consulate in Karachi on November 24 by three heavily armed suicide squad members of a Baloch separatist group is loaded with meaning and message. It should be read correctly for understanding what gave rise to the attack and how the conditions that caused it may be eliminated.

While China’s diplomatic mission was the immediate target of the attack, which left seven including three of the terrorists dead, the larger target is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and China-Pakistan relations in all its dimensions.

The message seems to be that Baloch separatists will give no quarter to CPEC projects extending from Gwadar in Balochistan to Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang province. The Gwadar-Kashgar corridor, with a number of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) along the route, would be passing through the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan in northern Pakistan.

The $46-billion CPEC, in operation from November 2016, faces multiple – political, economic, financial, environmental and social – challenges. In spite of the problems, concerns and controversies, the Chinese have made admirable progress and succeeded in moving an impressive volume of goods from Kashgar to Gwadar in the last two years.

Thus, first and foremost, China’s resolve and success in persisting with the CPEC has led to this attack. There is no circumstantial evidence indicating the involvement of any other country. Yet the inference in informed quarters is that the Baloch separatists are, perhaps, only the instruments of powerful western interests and forces, which are determined to thwart China’s “infrastructural expansionism”.&nbsp;

Even so, the reality is that these forces have only capitalised on discontent fuelled by the CPEC in a restive Balochistan and motivated terror groups to strike.

Balochistan is aggrieved at not getting its due share of development out of the CPEC. There is no economic, entrepreneurial or employment spin-off for Balochistan as the CPEC is perceived as passing through the province. This has caused resentment and, combined with the suppression of Baloch rights and aspirations, is a powder keg.

Secondly, since the terrorists and their patrons exploited this situation of Balochis being reduced to deprived spectators, Pakistan and China must address the expectations of the Balochis. A good first step would be a more inclusive CPEC model of development with tangible outcomes to satisfy the people of Balochistan. That would eliminate one of the major conditions, which has sustained separatism and spawned terrorism.

Thirdly, there is no basis for the fear that China and/or Pakistan will backtrack on the CPEC, or that investors would be scared away, as Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan apprehends. Investors enjoying the full support of the Chinese and Pakistani state machinery and their armed might are unlikely to be put off by this attack. China and Chinese companies are the biggest investors in CPEC. In the unlikely event of any investor backing out, China has the surplus capital as well as capital goods to go ahead with completion of all the projects.

Fourthly, it would be counter-productive for Pakistan and China to jointly launch an offensive against Baloch separatists as suggested by Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. While China has chosen to ignore and not commented on Qureshi’s idea, if pursued, it can only hurt the interests of Pakistan, Balochistan, the CPEC, China and Pakistan-China relations. Any Sino-Pakistan joint operation against Balochis would not make a distinction between separatists and the people of the province. It would be an all-out, indiscriminate military offensive, which would exacerbate the situation. As Pakistan’s most powerful all-weather friend, Beijing may not wish to court the anger of the Balochis and give the separatists more reason to target China. Besides, it would give mischief mongers abroad a handle to further exploit the political unrest in Balochistan.

Finally, the Government of India has taken a correct stand in aftermath of the attack, although it has been opposed to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of which the CPEC is a part. India has raised concerns over the CPEC, especially its passing through Gilgit Baltistan. There are also CPEC investments and projects in what India holds to be “occupied territory”. Yet India was quick to condemn the terrorist attack, stating: “There can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. The perpetrators of this heinous attack should be brought to justice expeditiously.”

At the same time, India has denounced Pakistan’s repression of the Baloch people and violation of their human rights. New Delhi has sent out an unambiguous message that whatever its differences with China, reservations about CPEC and inclinations towards the cause of the Baloch people, India is uncompromisingly opposed to terrorism.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-baloch-alienation-triggers-attack-on-chinese-consulate-2689619">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The storming of the Chinese consulate in Karachi on November 24 by three heavily armed suicide squad members of a Baloch separatist group is loaded with meaning and message.

The storming of the Chinese consulate in Karachi on November 24 by three heavily armed suicide squad members of a Baloch separatist group is loaded with meaning and message. It should be read correctly for understanding what gave rise to the attack and how the conditions that caused it may be eliminated. While China’s diplomatic mission was the immediate target of the attack, which left seven including three of the terrorists dead, the larger target is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and China-Pakistan relations in all its dimensions. The message seems to be that Baloch separatists will give no quarter to CPEC projects extending from Gwadar in Balochistan to Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang province. The Gwadar-Kashgar corridor, with a number of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) along the route, would be passing through the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan in northern Pakistan. The $46-billion CPEC, in operation from November 2016, faces multiple – political, economic, financial, environmental and social – challenges. In spite of the problems, concerns and controversies, the Chinese have made admirable progress and succeeded in moving an impressive volume of goods from Kashgar to Gwadar in the last two years. Thus, first and foremost, China’s resolve and success in persisting with the CPEC has led to this attack. There is no circumstantial evidence indicating the involvement of any other country. Yet the inference in informed quarters is that the Baloch separatists are, perhaps, only the instruments of powerful western interests and forces, which are determined to thwart China’s “infrastructural expansionism”. Even so, the reality is that these forces have only capitalised on discontent fuelled by the CPEC in a restive Balochistan and motivated terror groups to strike. Balochistan is aggrieved at not getting its due share of development out of the CPEC. There is no economic, entrepreneurial or employment spin-off for Balochistan as the CPEC is perceived as passing through the province. This has caused resentment and, combined with the suppression of Baloch rights and aspirations, is a powder keg. Secondly, since the terrorists and their patrons exploited this situation of Balochis being reduced to deprived spectators, Pakistan and China must address the expectations of the Balochis. A good first step would be a more inclusive CPEC model of development with tangible outcomes to satisfy the people of Balochistan. That would eliminate one of the major conditions, which has sustained separatism and spawned terrorism. Thirdly, there is no basis for the fear that China and/or Pakistan will backtrack on the CPEC, or that investors would be scared away, as Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan apprehends. Investors enjoying the full support of the Chinese and Pakistani state machinery and their armed might are unlikely to be put off by this attack. China and Chinese companies are the biggest investors in CPEC. In the unlikely event of any investor backing out, China has the surplus capital as well as capital goods to go ahead with completion of all the projects. Fourthly, it would be counter-productive for Pakistan and China to jointly launch an offensive against Baloch separatists as suggested by Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. While China has chosen to ignore and not commented on Qureshi’s idea, if pursued, it can only hurt the interests of Pakistan, Balochistan, the CPEC, China and Pakistan-China relations. Any Sino-Pakistan joint operation against Balochis would not make a distinction between separatists and the people of the province. It would be an all-out, indiscriminate military offensive, which would exacerbate the situation. As Pakistan’s most powerful all-weather friend, Beijing may not wish to court the anger of the Balochis and give the separatists more reason to target China. Besides, it would give mischief mongers abroad a handle to further exploit the political unrest in Balochistan. Finally, the Government of India has taken a correct stand in aftermath of the attack, although it has been opposed to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of which the CPEC is a part. India has raised concerns over the CPEC, especially its passing through Gilgit Baltistan. There are also CPEC investments and projects in what India holds to be “occupied territory”. Yet India was quick to condemn the terrorist attack, stating: “There can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. The perpetrators of this heinous attack should be brought to justice expeditiously.” At the same time, India has denounced Pakistan’s repression of the Baloch people and violation of their human rights. New Delhi has sent out an unambiguous message that whatever its differences with China, reservations about CPEC and inclinations towards the cause of the Baloch people, India is uncompromisingly opposed to terrorism. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why Baloch separatists are targetting CPEC

Two persons have been arrested in Pakistan in connection with the recent terror attack on the Chinese consulate here in which seven people, including three militants, were killed, media reports said Sunday.

Those arrested are the brothers of Abdul Razzaq Baloch, who was one of the three militants of the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) which claimed the attack on Friday, Dawn news reported.

The investigation agencies found that one of the slain militants, Razzaq Baloch, belonged to Kharan district of the restive Balochistan province, it said.

Raids were carried out in different areas of Kharan on Saturday and Mohammad Aslam and Khosti were taken into custory, the report said.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Saleem Ahmad Khosa said that Razzaq Baloch's name was on the missing persons' list over the past two years.

A large number of people mentioned in the list had gone aboard for terrorism training, he said.

The minister claimed that BLA commander Aslam alias Acho had been injured in a gun battle with security forces last year, but he managed to escape.

On Friday, three heavily-armed suicide bombers stormed the Chinese consulate, killing four people including two policemen before being shot dead by security forces which foiled the daring attack in the high-security zone.

Nine hand grenades, Kalashnikov assault rifles, magazines and explosives were recovered from the possession of the terrorists.

Resource-rich Balochistan is at the heart of the ambitious USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The CPEC is a string of huge infrastructure investments by China in Pakistan which will link its western Xinjiang province with the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar in Balochistan.

Over the years, construction projects and Chinese workers in Balochistan have been repeatedly targeted by militants but this was one of the most prominent attacks to date.

China's foreign ministry strongly condemned the attack on its consulate and urged its all-weather ally to take "practical measures" to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in the country, mostly on projects linked to the CPEC.

Hundreds of Chinese nationals are presently working in Pakistan specially in Karachi and the Balochistan.

It was the first major terror strike in Karachi since March, 2016 when 45 Ismaili Muslims were killed in a targeted attack.&nbsp;

Two persons have been arrested in Pakistan in connection with the recent terror attack on the Chinese consulate here in which seven people, including three militants, were killed, media reports said Sunday.

Two persons have been arrested in Pakistan in connection with the recent terror attack on the Chinese consulate here in which seven people, including three militants, were killed, media reports said Sunday. Those arrested are the brothers of Abdul Razzaq Baloch, who was one of the three militants of the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) which claimed the attack on Friday, Dawn news reported. The investigation agencies found that one of the slain militants, Razzaq Baloch, belonged to Kharan district of the restive Balochistan province, it said. Raids were carried out in different areas of Kharan on Saturday and Mohammad Aslam and Khosti were taken into custory, the report said. Balochistan Home Minister Mir Saleem Ahmad Khosa said that Razzaq Baloch's name was on the missing persons' list over the past two years. A large number of people mentioned in the list had gone aboard for terrorism training, he said. The minister claimed that BLA commander Aslam alias Acho had been injured in a gun battle with security forces last year, but he managed to escape. On Friday, three heavily-armed suicide bombers stormed the Chinese consulate, killing four people including two policemen before being shot dead by security forces which foiled the daring attack in the high-security zone. Nine hand grenades, Kalashnikov assault rifles, magazines and explosives were recovered from the possession of the terrorists. Resource-rich Balochistan is at the heart of the ambitious USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC is a string of huge infrastructure investments by China in Pakistan which will link its western Xinjiang province with the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar in Balochistan. Over the years, construction projects and Chinese workers in Balochistan have been repeatedly targeted by militants but this was one of the most prominent attacks to date. China's foreign ministry strongly condemned the attack on its consulate and urged its all-weather ally to take "practical measures" to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in the country, mostly on projects linked to the CPEC. Hundreds of Chinese nationals are presently working in Pakistan specially in Karachi and the Balochistan. It was the first major terror strike in Karachi since March, 2016 when 45 Ismaili Muslims were killed in a targeted attack.

Pakistan arrests two in terror attack on Chinese consulate

Gunmen attack Chinese consulate in Pakistan's Karachi

China on Friday condemned an attack on its consulate<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-firing-reported-outside-chinese-consulate-in-karachi-178903"> in the Pakistani city of Karachi</a> that killed two policemen and urged its ally to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said all consular staff and their families were safe following the shooting, which was claimed by a separatist group.

"China strongly condemns any violent attacks against diplomatic agencies and requests that Pakistan takes practical measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country," Geng said at a regular press briefing.&nbsp;

Three gunmen stormed the Chinese consulate on Friday morning and exchanged gunfire with security forces who shot them down.&nbsp;

Geng said the gunmen did not enter the consulate and the exchange of fire took place outside the facility.&nbsp;

"We highly appreciate the efforts of the Pakistani side," he said when asked about Pakistan's response to the attack.

The attack was claimed by a separatist militant group from Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan, which is at the centre of a major Chinese investment project in the country.

The spokesman of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) branded Beijing "an oppressor" along with Pakistani forces, adding that they were "destroying the future of Balochistan".

The incident is the latest in a series of assaults on Chinese nationals, including workers involved in the multi-billion dollar infrastructure project.&nbsp;

Geng said the attack would not affect Beijing's commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which seeks to connect its western province Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar, in Balochistan.

"China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners," the spokesman said.

"With the broad support of the two peoples, it (CPEC) is proceeding in an orderly manner. China will continue to work with Pakistan to firmly move forward with the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor," he said.

For Pakistan, participating in the project presents an enormous challenge in a country plagued by weak institutions, endemic corruption and a range of insurgencies in areas slated to host the corridor. &nbsp;

The subject of economic dividends from CPEC is extremely sensitive in some of the areas the corridor will run through -- particularly in Balochistan.

Since the beginning of the project militants have repeatedly attacked construction sites, blowing up numerous gas pipelines and trains, and targeted Chinese workers.

In August this year three Chinese nationals were among six wounded in a suicide attack on a bus transporting Chinese engineers working on a mining project in Balochistan, in an attack that was also claimed by the BLA.

"We highly appreciate the great efforts made by Pakistan to safeguard the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the security of Chinese citizens and organisations in Pakistan," Geng said.

"We also believe that Pakistan will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safe and smooth development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor," he added.

China on Friday condemned an attack on its consulate in the Pakistani city of Karachi that killed two policemen and urged its ally to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens.

China on Friday condemned an attack on its consulate in the Pakistani city of Karachi that killed two policemen and urged its ally to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said all consular staff and their families were safe following the shooting, which was claimed by a separatist group. "China strongly condemns any violent attacks against diplomatic agencies and requests that Pakistan takes practical measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country," Geng said at a regular press briefing. Three gunmen stormed the Chinese consulate on Friday morning and exchanged gunfire with security forces who shot them down. Geng said the gunmen did not enter the consulate and the exchange of fire took place outside the facility. "We highly appreciate the efforts of the Pakistani side," he said when asked about Pakistan's response to the attack. The attack was claimed by a separatist militant group from Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan, which is at the centre of a major Chinese investment project in the country. The spokesman of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) branded Beijing "an oppressor" along with Pakistani forces, adding that they were "destroying the future of Balochistan". The incident is the latest in a series of assaults on Chinese nationals, including workers involved in the multi-billion dollar infrastructure project. Geng said the attack would not affect Beijing's commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which seeks to connect its western province Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar, in Balochistan. "China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners," the spokesman said. "With the broad support of the two peoples, it (CPEC) is proceeding in an orderly manner. China will continue to work with Pakistan to firmly move forward with the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor," he said. For Pakistan, participating in the project presents an enormous challenge in a country plagued by weak institutions, endemic corruption and a range of insurgencies in areas slated to host the corridor. The subject of economic dividends from CPEC is extremely sensitive in some of the areas the corridor will run through -- particularly in Balochistan. Since the beginning of the project militants have repeatedly attacked construction sites, blowing up numerous gas pipelines and trains, and targeted Chinese workers. In August this year three Chinese nationals were among six wounded in a suicide attack on a bus transporting Chinese engineers working on a mining project in Balochistan, in an attack that was also claimed by the BLA. "We highly appreciate the great efforts made by Pakistan to safeguard the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the security of Chinese citizens and organisations in Pakistan," Geng said. "We also believe that Pakistan will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safe and smooth development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor," he added.

Pakistan should ensure safety of our citizens and institutions: China